Conflict Resolution: Checklists
- Conflicts are a normal part of life. Because all of us are different and have different needs, there will always be conflict.
- But conflict isn’t necessarily negative. In fact, if you learn to address the situation properly, it can become an opportunity to learn or even develop friendships.
- Before you react immediately in a conflict, consider the consequences of your behavior. Pause, and then deal with the situation at hand.
- There are several ways to solve a dispute. Sometimes it’s best to say no, or simply avoid the situation. Other times, when you do confront a problem try to find a way where both sides walk away feeling satisfied.
- Most conflicts come about because of a lack of information. If you want to solve a problem, get informed. Learn how the other party feels about the situation.
- When in a disagreement instead of sticking to a position, try to consider you’re interests and needs. The position is less important than these. If both sides express their interests and needs you’ll likely find points in common.
- While you might not always agree with people, it’s always important to respect them.
- Everyone has shared interests. We all want to be happy, have food to eat and shelter over our heads. When approaching a conflict it’s important find these shared points and build from there.
- The next time that you are involved in an argument, step back for a few minutes and determine whether you are trying to find a solution or just venting anger.
- Raise awareness on Conflict Resolution Day, which is observed on the third Thursday in October — attend or organize an event to teach others about the benefits of conflict resolution; for toolkits and information, visit the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) (http://www.acrnet.org/crday/).
- Remember Armistice Day. Armistice Day is on November 11th. On November 11th, 1918 an armistice was signed by the Allies and Germany, which ended World War I. 10-12 million people were killed and about 18 million more died of a global flu that could not be contained because of the intense fighting.
- Conflict leads to horrible atrocities, including genocide—the deliberate killing of an entire people. During World War II, 6 million Jews were murdered in a Nazi attempt at genocide. Since then, Africa has seen over 6 million deaths, including a genocide campaign in Rwanda.
- Respect your resources. World hunger is directly linked to war. There were about 925 million people who went hungry in 2010. Since 2004 more, than a million people were uprooted due to a major food crisis resulting from the conflict in Darfur, Sudan. Roughly 19,500 people have died.
- Keep your school a peaceful environment. More than 37 million children cannot attend school because of war. Value your education and keep your schools safe.
- Don’t use violence to solve problems. Small firearms are one of the leading causes of violence related deaths. In fact, 75% of the 875 million small firearms in the world are in the hands of civilians.
- Protect the Earth by promoting peace. The bombs dropped during the Vietnam War destroyed 2 million acres of land. The burning of the oil wells in Kuwait during the Gulf War will have long lasting repercussions, which included destruction of land and air quality as well as threatening to raise carbon levels in the earth’s atmosphere.
- Support the abolition of nuclear weapons. In the city of Chelyabinsk in Siberia, the atomic weapons complex “Mayak” has been the site of three nuclear disasters and is considered the most polluted spot on earth. The mishandling of radioactive material has been linked to thousands of cancer related deaths worldwide.
- Practice your communication skills every chance you get. One of the many causes of conflict is poor communication. Try to be as clear as possible and always listen to what everyone has to say. Set an example for those around you.
- Share with those who don’t have enough. Scarcity is one of the leading causes of violent conflict. A billion people worldwide don’t have access to clean drinking water and many go without food or shelter.
- Be wary of extreme nationalism or racism. Often times failing politicians will feed on what is called “hyper-nationalism” so that they can stay in power. Just like people might try and start fights to get what they want, people in power often try to manipulate the population to gain support and power. By respecting and supporting others in your own life you can help stand up against war and show the world that everyone is equal.
- We’re all responsible for each other. Over the last decade over 2 million children were killed due to conflict, 4-5 million were disabled, 12 million were left homeless, more than 1 million were orphaned or lost their parents, and around 10 million children were psychologically traumatized.
- Support the local voice in government. Often conflicts arise because the government either ignores or silences the public voice. Support public debate and the ability to criticize the government. The people’s voice is the most important voice.
- When you can, give a hand to help make your community better. The harder we work at building a successful community the stronger the community becomes when facing a conflict.
- Protest in a peaceful manner. Having opinions is wonderful. Take a non-violent stand. Mahatma Gandhi led India to independence through an amazing act of non-violent protests.
- Don’t give up. Even if a conflict doesn’t get resolved immediately, keep working for a non-violent resolution. You can’t change the world overnight; things take time and a lot of strength. The goal can be achieved if you keep in mind what is important.
A treaty is an agreement negotiated between countries. Here, the Treaty of Varsailles ended World War I. Some argue that the seeds of World War II could be found in the harsh restrictions placed on Germany.
Checkpoint Charlie became a symbol of the Cold War between East and West. It was the only way to cross from East to West Berlin.
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